Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 90164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90164 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 451(@200wpm)___ 361(@250wpm)___ 301(@300wpm)
“How are you going to explain that big-ass gate on the driveway?”
“I’ll just tell them that we’re adding new safety measures to the ranch to make sure that the livestock and everything else is safe. Which isn’t a lie.”
“That’s true.” We both watch as a bald eagle circles the pasture, looking for a late lunch. “I’m grateful that your mom is picking up the kids, but I feel guilty because that’s my whole job.”
“Cut yourself some slack,” I reply. “You’ve had a shitty day. Mom doesn’t mind helping out, especially in circumstances like this. But if it makes you feel some sort of way, you can cook dinner.”
“Okay, I’ll take that deal. I was thinking stuffed green peppers.”
I wrinkle my nose.
“No? What part of that don’t you like?”
“I’ll eat it. I’ll eat anything you make without an argument.”
Erin smirks. “Sure, but I want to make things you like. How about I grill some steaks? You have a lot of Wild River Ranch beef in there.”
“I’m down for that. I think you should take a hot shower and maybe a little nap first.”
She cocks an eyebrow at me. “Do I stink?”
“No.” I can’t help but laugh at that. “It’ll feel good and help you relax. Get comfortable and shake off what happened today. There’s nothing else you can do about it.”
“You’re a good dad,” she blurts out, and it makes my heart stumble. “I’m not implying that I think you’re fathering me right now, because no. What I’m saying is, you’re calm and reasonable, and despite your sometimes grumpy exterior, you’re soothing. I’ve watched the kids seek you out when they’re upset or sad, and that’s because you’re the one person in the world who can comfort them better than anyone else. You don’t just have that effect on your kids.”
I can’t help but think about how grouchy I’ve been with my kids over the past few months, and through no fault of their own. It’s all on me. I’m a better dad because of this amazing woman.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome.” She stands and bends down to kiss my head. “I’m gonna go take that shower.”
She walks inside, and I stay right where I am for a while, watching that eagle and looking out over my land.
Sometimes, I worry that I’m not the dad that my kids need me to be. I get so distracted, so busy while running this business. I don’t want my children to look back on their childhood and wonder where their dad was.
I don’t think Erin could have given me a better compliment.
“Dad!” Holly comes running out of her room, with Erin not far behind her. “Dad, look at my pretty braids! Erin did them. She says she can do them whenever I want.”
Holly’s long, dark hair is twisted and woven into some pretty impressive braids.
I definitely can’t do that for her.
“You look absolutely gorgeous,” I inform my sweet girl and watch as her face lights up with happiness. “I was thinking about taking you and Johnny out for a ride on the horses. What do you think?”
“Yes. But can Erin come with us?”
“Erin has to go work with your grandma for a bit,” Erin replies. “But you go have fun with your two guys, okay?”
“Okay! Johnny!” Holly races off to find her brother and share the good news.
“They love the horses,” I say.
“I know. They talk about them often.”
“Have you ever ridden?”
Erin shakes her head. “No. I’m not so great with heights, so I don’t know that it’s for me.”
“It’s not that high up,” I disagree.
“I can’t touch the ground with my feet, so it’s high enough. I don’t know, I might try it sometime. Do you need anything before I head over to your parents’ place?”
“No, thanks. We probably won’t be gone long. Holly doesn’t have much stamina yet.”
“She’ll get there,” Erin says. “Have fun.”
Before she can walk away, I catch her hand in mine and tug her close. Her face lifts, ready for my lips, and I don’t disappoint her. I kiss this woman every chance I get.
“Mm,” she says when she pulls away. “That’ll tide me over for a while.”
Erin leaves just as the kids hurry out of Johnny’s room.
“Can I wear my cowboy hat, Dad?” Johnny asks, the brown hat already on his head. “If we’re gonna be doing some cowboying, I need a hat.”
“You can wear it,” I reply.
“I need mine, too,” Holly decides and hurries over to her bedroom. Seconds later, she returns with her purple hat on her head. “I can even wear it with my pretty braids.”
“I see that. Okay, buckaroos, let’s go saddle up some horses.”
“Someday, I’ll be able to saddle my own horse,” Johnny mutters as we set out on the trail that leads us deep into our property.
“You pretty much did it all by yourself,” I remind him.